(5/21) At the May 16 meeting, Frederick County Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Bob Hicks presented the master plan for the Richard W. Kanode Farm Park. The land was donated by the park’s namesake upon his death in 2020.

The master plan is in preliminary stages, with the Frederick County Parks and Rec department still gathering the necessary approvals. The County welcomed public comment at an open house and on their website until May 31. The next steps of the process include review by the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission and the County Council in June.

"We get some input from people, usually stakeholders or people who are interested in the property, and give some feedback," Hicks said. "And then that’s put into a master plan."

After approval, design of Phase 1 will begin in the fall. Funding for construction is expected to be included in the FY-25 Capital Improvement Program.

The entrance to the park will be on Stevens Road in Thurmont. While they will provide separation from the next door neighbor for privacy, the County does not plan to alter the entrance from what it is now.

"Yea, it’s going to be dusty; that’s what farms are all about, so we’re okay with that. We don’t need any more paving." Hicks said.

The new park is expected to have equestrian facilities as well as areas for agricultural study. The plan also includes funding to improve existing buildings on the farm.

The equestrian facilities will allow for riders to bring their horses to the parks for lessons or fun with their horses. The park will include three arenas, one enclosed, plus an equestrian obstacle course. It will also have riding trails and open areas for riding. According to Hicks, there will be no overnight boarding because of liability to the County. There will be staff on-site during the day to manage the facilities.

The park will also include outdoor classrooms for agriculture education. There will also be a pond with opportunities for environmental science study. Anyone who visits the farm park will also be able to use the picnic areas.

Of the 183 acres donated, 175 acres are in a MALPF easement, restricting the land use to agriculture and equestrian purposes. Part of the land is also currently held by an agricultural lease.

Richard Kanode bequeathed the over 180 acres of farmland to Frederick County upon his death on January 1, 2020. A long-time resident of Thurmont, Kanode wanted to give back to his community, according to Hicks.